Alabama Boating License Practice Test 2026: Practice test 3

1. Question 1 of 25

   What is the maximum federal criminal penalty for boating under the influence?

   • AA written warning, with no fine
   • BUp to $5,000, one year in prison, or both
   • CLoss of your car driver license only
   • DA fine of up to $50 and a short class
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Up to $5,000, one year in prison, or both

   Federal BUI penalties include a civil penalty of up to $1,000, or a criminal penalty of up to $5,000, one year in prison, or both.

2. Question 2 of 25

   What does a yellow buoy like this tell you?

   • ADanger: rocks are right below the buoy
   • BIt marks a special area, not a channel side
   • CThere is safe water all around it
   • DKeep it on your right when returning
   Show answer

   Answer: B. It marks a special area, not a channel side

   Special marks are yellow. They point out a special area or feature and are not lateral channel markers.

3. Question 3 of 25

   On a regulatory marker, what does an orange square or rectangle mean?

   • AIt gives information, such as directions
   • BDanger ahead, such as rocks
   • CBoats must keep out of the area
   • DA speed limit applies in the area
   Show answer

   Answer: A. It gives information, such as directions

   Squares give information. Diamonds warn of danger, diamonds with a cross mean keep out, and circles mark controlled areas.

4. Question 4 of 25

   This marker shows a diamond with a cross and the words "SWIM AREA". What must boaters do?

   • AKeep it on your right when returning
   • BKeep out of the marked swimming area
   • CAnchor there to swim
   • DSlow down and pass through it
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Keep out of the marked swimming area

   A diamond with a cross means boats keep out. Here it protects a swimming area.

5. Question 5 of 25

   A sailboat is motoring with its engine and its sails are down. How is it treated under the Navigation Rules?

   • AAs a power-driven vessel
   • BAs a vessel not under command
   • CAs a sailing vessel
   • DAs a vessel at anchor
   Show answer

   Answer: A. As a power-driven vessel

   A sailboat using its engine is a power-driven vessel and follows the power-driven rules.

6. Question 6 of 25

   On inland waters, what do two short blasts mean when two power-driven vessels meet or cross in sight of each other?

   • A"I intend to leave you on my starboard side"
   • B"I intend to leave you on my port side"
   • C"I am leaving the dock"
   • D"I am anchored"
   Show answer

   Answer: A. "I intend to leave you on my starboard side"

   Under Inland Rule 34, two short blasts mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side".

7. Question 7 of 25

   When is an operator NOT required to use the engine cut-off switch link?

   • AWhen there are passengers on board
   • BWhen the water is calm
   • CWhen the main helm is inside an enclosed cabin
   • DWhen the boat is going faster than 20 mph
   Show answer

   Answer: C. When the main helm is inside an enclosed cabin

   The requirement does not apply when the main helm is inside an enclosed cabin. It is also not needed at slow speeds such as docking or trolling.

8. Question 8 of 25

   Two sailboats meet with the wind on different sides. Which must keep clear?

   • AThe boat with the wind on its port side
   • BThe boat with the wind on its starboard side
   • CThe larger sailboat
   • DThe boat that is to leeward
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The boat with the wind on its port side

   When sailing vessels have the wind on different sides, the one with the wind on its port side keeps out of the way.

9. Question 9 of 25

   You are towing a water-skier. What is the job of the observer on board?

   • ASteer the skier using only hand signals
   • BKeep other boats from coming close to watch
   • CWatch the skier and tell the operator what happens
   • DDrive the boat while the operator watches
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Watch the skier and tell the operator what happens

   The operator must watch where the boat is going, so a second person keeps a continuous eye on the skier and reports falls and signals.

10. Question 10 of 25

    At night you see another boat's red sidelight on your starboard side. What should you do?

    • AHold course, since you are the stand-on boat
    • BSpeed up to cross in front of it quickly
    • CGive way, because it is crossing from your right
    • DTurn off your lights so you do not confuse it
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Give way, because it is crossing from your right

    A red light on your right means a boat is crossing from your starboard side. You are the give-way vessel.

11. Question 11 of 25

    On a powerboat under 12 meters, how high must the all-round white light be above the sidelights?

    • AAt least 6 inches (15 cm)
    • BAt least 10 feet (3 meters)
    • CAt the same height as them
    • DAt least 3.3 feet (1 meter)
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 3.3 feet (1 meter)

    The masthead or all-round white light must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights.

12. Question 12 of 25

    What does an engine cut-off switch link do?

    • AStops the engine if the operator is thrown from the helm
    • BLocks the steering wheel when you are not aboard
    • CTurns on the navigation lights automatically
    • DStarts the bilge blower before the engine starts
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Stops the engine if the operator is thrown from the helm

    The lanyard links the operator to the switch. If the operator is thrown from the helm, the link pulls free and the engine shuts off.

13. Question 13 of 25

    What sound-producing device must a boat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) carry?

    • AA bell and a gong mounted on deck
    • BA siren, like those used on police boats
    • CNothing; shouting loudly is enough
    • DAn efficient sound device, such as a horn or whistle
    Show answer

    Answer: D. An efficient sound device, such as a horn or whistle

    Boats under 12 meters must carry an efficient sound-producing device, such as a hand-held air horn or a whistle. A human voice is not acceptable.

14. Question 14 of 25

    Someone is injured and needs medical treatment beyond first aid. How soon must the written report be filed?

    • AWithin 10 days
    • BWithin 48 hours
    • CWithin 30 days
    • DWithin one year
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Within 48 hours

    Reports are due within 48 hours for a death within 24 hours, an injury beyond first aid, or a disappearance. Other reportable accidents must be reported within 10 days.

15. Question 15 of 25

    Two vessels agree by VHF radio how they will pass each other. Do they still have to sound whistle signals?

    • ANo, and sounding them would be illegal
    • BNo, but they may
    • CYes, always, before and after passing
    • DYes, but only at night
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, but they may

    Vessels that reach agreement by radio do not have to sound the whistle signals. If they cannot agree, whistle signals must be exchanged and they prevail.

16. Question 16 of 25

    After a boating accident, what must the operator do?

    • AStop, help if safe, and give name, address and boat ID
    • BWait for the other boat to call for help first
    • CLeave quickly so the area is clear for rescuers
    • DOnly call a tow company to move the boats
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Stop, help if safe, and give name, address and boat ID

    Federal law requires an operator involved in a casualty to give assistance as far as possible without serious danger, and to give their name, address and vessel identification.

17. Question 17 of 25

    What is a "safe speed"?

    • AA speed that lets you stop or turn in time
    • BThe speed posted at the nearest launch ramp
    • CAny speed under 10 mph, in all conditions
    • DThe highest speed your boat can safely reach
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A speed that lets you stop or turn in time

    Safe speed depends on visibility, traffic, wind, waves and your boat. You must be able to avoid a collision and stop in time.

18. Question 18 of 25

    Light 4 in the diagram is the white sternlight. How wide is its arc?

    • A225 degrees, toward the front
    • B360 degrees, all around
    • C112.5 degrees, on one side
    • D135 degrees, toward the back
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 135 degrees, toward the back

    The sternlight shines over 135 degrees behind the boat. The masthead light covers 225 degrees forward.

19. Question 19 of 25

    Which vessels are exempt from carrying day visual distress signals?

    • AAny boat that has a working VHF radio
    • BBoats with inboard gasoline engines
    • CManually propelled boats, such as canoes
    • DAll boats over 26 feet with a cabin
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Manually propelled boats, such as canoes

    Manually propelled boats, boats under 16 feet, open sailboats under 26 feet without propulsion, and boats in organized events are exempt from day signals.

20. Question 20 of 25

    Older B-I and B-II extinguishers are still accepted on which boats?

    • AAll boats, of any model year
    • BOnly boats built in 2018 or later
    • CBoats built in model year 2017 or earlier
    • DOnly personal watercraft of any year
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Boats built in model year 2017 or earlier

    Coast Guard B-I and B-II extinguishers are acceptable only on vessels built in model year 2017 or earlier.

21. Question 21 of 25

    Your boat meets the rules of the state where it is registered. Does it automatically meet the rules of every other state?

    • ANo. Another state may have different requirements
    • BYes, as long as it has federal equipment
    • CYes, all states have identical rules
    • DOnly if the boat is under 16 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No. Another state may have different requirements

    Federal rules are the minimum. A boat that meets its home state's rules may not meet the rules of another state where it is used.

22. Question 22 of 25

    What does "not under command" mean in the Navigation Rules?

    • AA vessel with no licensed captain on board at the time
    • BA vessel that cannot maneuver because of a problem, such as a steering failure
    • CA vessel that is going faster than the posted speed limit
    • DA vessel that is anchored or tied to a mooring buoy
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A vessel that cannot maneuver because of a problem, such as a steering failure

    A vessel not under command cannot keep out of the way because of an exceptional circumstance. Other vessels, including sailboats, must keep clear of it.

23. Question 23 of 25

    You are alone in cold water wearing a life jacket and cannot climb out. What should you do?

    • ASplash and kick constantly to stay visible
    • BTake off your life jacket so you can move freely
    • CSwim hard in circles to keep your body warm
    • DFold your arms, cross your legs and float still
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Fold your arms, cross your legs and float still

    The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) reduces heat loss. Swim only if safety is very close.

24. Question 24 of 25

    Where must recreational boats carry visual distress signals?

    • ACoastal waters, the Great Lakes and territorial seas
    • BOnly on rivers that are wider than 1 mile
    • COnly on small inland lakes and ponds
    • DOnly within 1 mile of any shoreline
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Coastal waters, the Great Lakes and territorial seas

    Visual distress signals are required on U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and connected waters up to where they become less than 2 nautical miles wide.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Who may use an inflatable life jacket to meet the carriage requirement?

    • AAnyone of any age
    • BOnly people who cannot swim
    • CPeople 16 years of age and older
    • DChildren under 13
    Show answer

    Answer: C. People 16 years of age and older

    Inflatable life jackets are approved only for people 16 and older.

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